VARDAN OSKANIAN: DECISION ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF BAKU-TBILISI-AKHALKALAK-KARS RAILWAY IS OF POLITICAL CHARACTER

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Oct 1 2007

It is clear that the decision on the construction of
Baku-Tbilisi-Akhalkalak-Kars railway was made due to political
conclusions with the participation of Azerbaijan and Turkey, Armenian
Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian said in an interview to "Ayrenik"
newspaper, APA reports.

He said that this project can not damage Armenian economics as well
as Baku-Tbilisi-Jeyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipelines.

"But this project can establish bad atmosphere in the region from
political point of view. This project aims to construct parallel
line to existing Gumru-Kars railway. As to Georgia, I should say
that no country should refuse advantageous terms related with the
reconstruction of transport system and construction of new lines.

Georgia regards this project as a communication means connecting center
with the regions besides economic development and financial profit,"
he said.